Job Description
Job title – Legal Counsel (Funds) – Private Markets
Location – London
About Federated Hermes;
Federated Hermes, Inc. is a global leader in active, responsible investment management, with $829.6 billion in assets under management, as of December 31, 2024. We deliver investment solutions that help investors target a broad range of outcomes and provide equity, fixed-income, alternative/private markets, multi-asset, and liquidity management strategies to more than 11,000 institutions and intermediaries worldwide.
Our clients include corporations, government entities, insurance companies, foundations and endowments, banks, and broker/dealers. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Federated Hermes has more than 2,000 employees in London, New York and offices worldwide. For more information, visit FederatedHermes.com
About Federated Hermes Private Markets
Through a combination of heritage and innovation, we seek to connect institutional investors to the industry’s leading Private Markets opportunities in pursuit of delivering attractive, relevant and resilient investment returns over the long term.
Our long-established position in the industry and proximity to markets allows us to see and access some of the most compelling investment opportunities in private capital markets.
Our approach is built on client partnership. In 1983, we embarked on our first private markets investment on behalf of one of the largest pension schemes in the UK and this client remains a trusted partner today.
Our close connections, partnership mindset and deep understanding of client needs continue to define our approach and has been a catalyst for the growth of our business, which sees us manage almost $20bn (as at 30 September 2024) across our four Private Markets asset classes (private equity, private credit, infrastructure and real estate).
Main Function of the role:
To provide general legal support to the Federated Hermes Private Markets platform (private equity,
infrastructure, real estate, private credit), with a focus on fund / product matters. The Legal Counsel will advise across a range of private market business areas and workstreams, including fund raising and restructures, deal execution, investor relations, governance, compliance and company secretarial.
Key task and responsibilities:
• Support launch of new funds/ fund change work and liaising with external counsel
• Fielding interpretative questions on LPAs, IMAs and the full range of other legal documents from across the Private Markets platform (e.g. corporate authorities, NDAs, engagement letters, side letters, MFN elections, legal opinions, supplier contracts, credit facility agreements and related security documents, etc)
• Reviewing and updating regulatory and operational policies and procedures and advising on regulatory matters associated with the launch of Private Markets funds (e.g. AIFMD).
• Role in providing legal input on behalf of Federated Hermes on key projects impacting the Private Markets platform
• Liaison and oversight of Radiant Law, our outsourced NDA and engagement letter services provider in conjunction with other members of the team
• Working with Federated Hermes International Company Secretarial and Compliance Teams on matters impacting the Private Markets platform and Hermes GPE LLP in particular
• Oversight and responsibility for KYC support for the business.
• The Legal Counsel (Funds) will become one of the primary contact points for legal queries raised by
colleagues of all levels of seniority.
Desired Experience Required:
• At least 2 years’ post qualification experience whether working in the funds practice of a leading City or international
law firm or working as an in-house lawyer with a focus on funds - ideally with exposure to private, unregulated funds (AIFs) in a range of jurisdictions, in a private markets fund manager or other asset management business.
• English law qualified solicitor, although solicitors who have practised overseas will be considered.
Minimum knowledge & experience required
One year’s post qualification experience working in the financial services industry either as part of a law firm or in-house legal team with exposure to private market funds;
Educated to Degree level
Candidate Profile:
• A proactive self-starter who is equally happy working alone or as part of a team
• A questioning mind with a willingness to learn more about Private Markets in general and the legal principles and documents underpinning it
• The ability to communicate clearly and concisely with lawyers and non-lawyers alike
• An approachable and personable personality who is able to work effectively alongside colleagues at all levels of seniority
• Robustness of character and the ability to handle pressure / conflicting time demands
• The ability to think critically and to analyse, assess and critique others’ points of view in a
constructive manner
• A consensus builder
• The ability to prioritise effectively
• An attention to detail, coupled with the ability to apply a broader understanding of the wider commercial issues
• An ability to provide commercial, risk sensitive solutions – i.e. the ability to be a problem solver as well as a problem spotter
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Flexible Working
We believe in genuine equality of opportunity, fairness, and respect for all applicants and aim to ensure that no current or prospective employee is subject to discrimination or treated less favourably on the basis of their disability, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, age, sex, or sexual orientation, or disability.
We understand that applicants may have different needs and expectations related to their working arrangements and are committed to a discussion on flexible working. Please raise these with your Recruitment contact to discuss what type of arrangements can work for you and the role for which you are applying.
We welcome applications from all eligible candidates, and we particularly encourage applications from qualified candidates who identify as women and/or are from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background, as these groups are underrepresented throughout the financial services sector, particularly at senior levels.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and participate in the “Offer of Interview” scheme, intended to actively encourage applications from people with a disability or long-term condition and offer an interview to those who meet the minimum criteria set out within this job description. You will need to let us know if you would like to opt in to this scheme by contacting Jessica Sheehan at Jessica.sheehan@federatedhermes.com or +44 207 702 0888. You do not need to share details of your disability or long-term condition.
If you would benefit from alternative methods of applying or for workplace adjustments during the recruitment process, please also let us know by contacting Jessica Sheehan at Jessica.sheehan@federatedhermes.com or +44 207 702 0888 to discuss the support you need.